Pollution row boils over as villagers storm plant

Raipur: Tension gripped Kondagaon district in Bastar division after hundreds of villagers allegedly vandalised a maize processing plant at Kokodi village, accusing it of releasing waste into farmlands and damaging crops.Villagers claim liquid waste from the plant has been reaching nearby fields, causing crop loss. They alleged they had submitted repeated complaints to authorities but saw no action, fuelling anger that erupted into violence.Officials said 700–800 people gathered at the plant on Thursday night, stormed the premises with sticks and stones, ransacked offices and damaged vehicles, including cars, tractors, machinery and a police van.The damage is estimated to be in the range of Rs 10–20 lakh, according to initial assessments.Police and administrative officials reached the site soon after receiving information and additional force was called in from neighbouring Kanker, officials said. Heavy deployment remained in place outside the plant on Friday as villagers reportedly attempted to enter the premises again in the morning but were pushed back.The situation in Kokodi remained tense, with police keeping a close watch. Some villagers were reported to be targeting security personnel from a distance using slingshots, adding to the volatility.A driver from Maharashtra who had come to the plant said he hid in a nearby forest to save himself during the attack. The plant management had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report. Police said an inquiry has been initiated into the incident, including an assessment of losses and a verification of the pollution and waste-disposal allegations. Officials appealed to residents to maintain peace as the administration worked to restore normalcy in the area. The management of the maize processing plant has issued an order of halting all the operations until further information. Deputy collector Kondagaon Charlie Thakur said that the administration and police are investigating from all angles. As of now the plant has been closed and based on further investigation reports, action will be taken.